Defender switched from Arsenal to Manchester United in January
Ayden Heaven has opened up about his decision to leave Arsenal for Manchester United, citing the club’s strong track record of developing young players and the warm welcome he’s received since arriving at Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old defender made the switch in January after five years with the Gunners, where he had risen through the youth ranks and briefly broken into the first team.
Despite his promise – making a senior debut in October and being involved in Mikel Arteta’s pre-season squad last summer – Heaven featured in only three matches for the Gunners.
By the end of the January transfer window, he was on his way to Manchester, and it didn’t take long for the England U19 international to make an impact. He debuted in an FA Cup tie against Fulham and went on to impress against his former club Arsenal in the Premier League and in a Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.
A minor setback came in the form of an injury against Leicester City, but Heaven returned to fitness just in time for United’s post-season tour of Asia. He capped off the campaign in style, scoring in a 3-1 win over a Hong Kong XI and leaving fans excited about his prospects heading into the summer.
Speaking to MUTV, Heaven explained what convinced him to leave north London.
“The opportunities that the young players have got here in the past,” he said. “I think United had the most minutes given to teenagers last season [2023-24]. That convinced me to come here. And the people and the fans here are quite loving, and I felt that when I was playing. They’re so supportive.”
He also credited head coach Ruben Amorim with helping seal the decision.
“He just said that our play style will suit me, because they play three at a back and I play on the left of the three, so that allows me to run with the ball,” said Heaven. “That’s one of my strengths. And defending out wide is one of my strengths as well.”
Adjusting to life at United hasn’t been a solo journey. Heaven pointed to midfielder Mason Mount as someone who immediately helped him settle in.
“The first day I was here at Carrington he came up to me and introduced himself, and we had a good 10-minute conversation,” Heaven recalled. “He reminded me that we played each other in pre-season and he remembered a tackle I hit him with in the first minute! So, yeah, me and Mason are good friends.”
Heaven also mentioned the support of club captain Bruno Fernandes and fellow January signing Patrick Dorgu: “We signed together, basically the same week and we’ve been together since then.”
